Fallen Greenville officer was father, Army veteran

Jacobs with a father of two who served in the U.S. Army. (Courtesy: Friends)

Allen Jacobs (L) and best friend Lee Vining. (Courtesy: Friends)

GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) -

The Greenville Police Department identified the officer killed in the line of duty on Friday.

Chief Ken Miller said 28-year-old Allen Jacobs was part of the Police Department's Community Response Team.

Jacobs was on patrol and approached known gang member, 17-year-old Deontea Perry Mackey in Nicholtown, Miller said. Mackey tried to flee from police before opening fire at Jacobs. The officer was shot multiple times and, despite resuscitation attempts at the scene, succumbed to his injuries.

Jacobs' service weapon was snapped in its holster when he was fatally wounded, Miller said.

The police chief described him as a "very active, assertive and engaged officer" who could relate well with youth in Greenville. He received multiple awards from the department.

Jacobs was a married father of two and was expecting a baby in July, the chief said. He was also a decorated Army veteran who served in the Iraq War.

“It’s a sad day for Greenville," Miller said. "It’s a sad day even more for his family and for our family in the Greenville Police Department.”

Lee Vining, Jacobs' best friend, said, "Allen, to sum it up, was awesome... a great guy, he loved his kids beyond belief."

Vining said Jacobs always had big dreams and talked about one day joining SWAT or the FBI. The two started a business in the Army building fences, decks and landscaping.

In 2014 Jacobs was struck by a driver while investigating a suspicious vehicle. He underwent surgery for injuries in the incident.

A prayer vigil is being held in Jacobs' honor at 8 p.m. at Nicholtown Baptist Church on Ackley Road. The public is invited to come together to pray for his family and the Greenville community.

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